Forensic Science – Sherlock Holmes Style

The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry recently opened an exhibit that features interactive forensic presentations stemming from the Sherlock-Holmes era. The setting of the two-story exhibit is inspired by the Holmes’ stories and is sprinkled with hands-on, Victorian-era forensic activities led by museum staff. Some of the featured demonstrations include poison testing, observation skills, and handwriting matches. These demos help to prep museum guests for their final activity – they are tasked with searching for a missing wife and daughter. In January the exhibit will move to the Center of Science and Industry in Columbus, Ohio.

To read more, click here.

Source: Oregon Public Broadcasting

Citation:

OPB. Bringing Sherlock-Era Forensic Science to Life. Retrieved October 30, 2013 from http://www.opb.org/artsandlife/article/bringing-sherlock-era-forensic-science-to-life/

[Abstract written by Alex Mitzel, ForensIQ Intern]

The ForensicWeek.com Show airing Episode 39, “The Science and Evidence of Alcohol Use & Abuse”

Thursday, Nov. 7, 2013, 7 PM to 8 PM EST.  Learn from two experts who create the research that help determine the evidential standards for alcohol use and abuse— Dr. Ken Beck from University of Maryland School of Public Health, and Jim Fell, Pacific Institute, Alcohol, Policy and Safety Research Center.  Also on the show is return guest, Mark Zaid, Attorney, who defenses clients who have their own use of alcohol judged by security clearance standards.  So join host, Tom Mauriello and his student interns at www.forensicweek.com and view the show LIVE, or watch it later at your convenience with all previous ForensicWeek.com shows.  Thank you for watching!

Texas Governor’s Office Provides Forensic Training for Law Enforcement Officers

In an interesting report from the Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service, the Governor’s office of Texas has given Texas A&M a donation of around $300,000 for specific training. The training will be all about forensics, and it is for around 300 law enforcement officers and “noncommissioned” personnel in the state that will be investigating violent crimes. According to the article, the goal is to provide the training necessary to increase effectiveness of investigations on crime scenes throughout the state.

For the full article, click here!

Citation

Welch, W. (2013, October 30). Texas criminal justice division grant will fund CSI training for   300investigators. Retrieved from Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service website:http://www.teex.com/teex.cfm?pageid=teexresc&area=teex&storyid=1249&templateid=23

[Abstract written by Karl “Kip” Zenowich, ForensIQ Intern]

Another Tragedy Due to Cyberbullying

Another Tragedy due to Cyber Bullying

The recent case of a young Florida girl who committed suicide has received a lot of media attention. 12-year-old Rebecca Ann Sedwick ended her life last month in order to escape the cyber torment she received from a large group of girls – two in particular. Those two particular girls, of ages 12 and 14, were arrested last week for their involvement in the events leading to the suicide, failure to show remorse, and actions that suggested the cyber attacks would continue. This case has brought to light the many different anti-bullying programs in place in different states. It has also shed light on the fact that the amount of cyberbullying-related suicides of young people has risen significantly in the past several years. USA Today explains that they believe the most effective way to fight these bullies will actually not be through computer forensic investigations or legislation, but rather through peer disproval of the behavior. “Fighting back against bullies and denying them peer approval are the best antidotes.”

To read more, click here.

Citation:

CBSNews.com. (October 15, 2013). Rebecca Ann Sedwick suicide: 2 arrests made in death of bullied Florida girl. In CBSNews.com. Retrieved October 23, 2013 from http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-201_162-57607530/rebecca-ann-sedwick-suicide-2-arrests-made-in-death-of-bullied-florida-girl/

Sanburn, J. (October 16, 2013). A Florida Tragedy Illustrates Rising Concern about Cyber-Bullying Suicides. In Time. Retrieved October 23, 2013 from http://nation.time.com/2013/10/16/a-florida-tragedy-illustrates-rising-concern-about-cyber-bullying-suicides/

The Editorial Board. (October 23, 2013). Cyberbullying calls for new weapons: Our view. In USAToday. Retrieved October 23, 2013 from http://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2013/10/23/rebecca-sedwick-suicide-cyberbullying-criminal-editorials-debates/3173189/

[Abstract written by Alex Mitzel, ForensIQ Intern]

The ForensicWeek.com Show is airing episode 38, “Bullying—Beyond A Reasonable Doubt.”

The ForensicWeek.com Show is airing episode 38, “Bullying—Beyond A Reasonable Doubt.”  October is Anti-Bullying month and this Thursday, October 24, 2013, 7 PM to 8 PM EST, ForensicWeek.com joins a worldwide effort to STOP BULLYING by broadcasting a show that will educate forensic and criminal justice students and professionals on how to respond to this aggressive behavior among school aged children.  Join Host, Tom Mauriello and special guest expert, Dr. Quanda Watson-Stevenson, Athens State University, Alabama, whose research concentrates on bullying, school violence and incidents, high risk students, intervention and prevention of school violence, juvenile justice and delinquency.  JUST GO TOwww.forensicweek.com to view the show LIVE, or watch it later at your convenience with any of the other previous ForensicWeek.com shows.  Thank you for watching!

The ForensicWeek.com Show highlights the Stevenson University MOOC in Forensic Studies

The ForensicWeek.com Show is airing episode 37, “MASSIVE OPEN ONLINE COURSES (MOOC) in Forensic Studies,” this Thursday, October 17, 2013.  MOOCs are being supported by top universities and colleges in a wide range of subjects that are similar to university courses.  Stevenson University, Baltimore County Maryland, is offering their first worldwide MOOC this semester – “Survey of Forensics.”  Join Host, Tom Mauriello and learn more about their program and these online courses aimed at large-scale participation and open (free) access via the internet.  Stevenson University special guests on the show LIVE include Forensic Studies Department Chair, Dr. Thomas Coogan; Instructional Designer, Kelly Miller; and several MOOC students from around the world who are participating in this program.  JUST GO TO www.forensicweek.com to view the show LIVE, or watch it later with any of the previous shows at your convenience.  Thank you for watching!

Free Forensic Training

Looking for some training in different aspects of forensic science? Interested in forensic anthropology, fingerprint identification, toxicology, DNA profiling, drug testing, or various other forensic-related training sessions? Check out the different training options offered on the RTI International Forensic Science Education website. They offer many training sessions in addition to the aforementioned options. The best part? It’s FREE!

Click here to check out the different training options and register!

Source: forensiced.org

[Abstract written by Alex Mitzel, ForensIQ Intern]

The JFK Assassination Reexamined

To this day, the assassination of President John F. Kennedy continues to haunt and fascinate the American public. In wake of the 50^th anniversary of President Kennedy’s unfortunate passing, Duquesne University’s Cyril H. Wecht Institute of Forensic Science and Law will be hosting a symposium for legal, medical, forensic, and investigations experts to reexamine the evidence. The symposium aims to educate students and professionals about the details of this historic event and will examine the importance of continued study on this “cold-case murder.” It will be held October 17th through the 19th.

For more information on the event, including agenda, speakers, and registration, click here!

Citation: Fuoco, M. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Symposium to analyze evidence in JFK’s death. Retrieved October 10, 2013 from http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/local/neighborhoods-city/symposium-to-analyze-evidence-in-jfks-death-706519/.

[Abstract written by Emily McGowan, ForensIQ Intern]

A Second Chance, After the Death Penalty

A man put to death by the death penalty in Texas is having his case re-looked at. Cameron Todd Willingham was executed for the deaths of his three daughters in a fire in 1991. A phony testimony has come to light and now, investigators are checking out the case one more time. Not only was the testimony used against Willingham false, but the arson investigation that went on during the case was found to have “erroneous forensic analysis” which was “ the basis for Willingham’s conviction,” says author Bob Ray Sanders in his article on the “Star-Telegram” website. There is a call from the Innocence Project to reinvestigate the case.

For the whole article, click here!

Citation

Sanders, B. R. (2013, October 1). Further investigation needed in case of executed man.

     Star-Telegram. 

[Abstract written by Karl "Kip" Zenowich, Forensiq Intern]

Upcoming Fingerprint Training

On October 1, 2013 there will LIVE online fingerprint training provided by RTI International (Research Triangle Institute). Conveniently, there are two different classes being offered at two different times, so for those you who want to observe both – you can! “Latent Fingerprints: Developing Methods and New Technology” will be broadcast at 9 AM, and Fingerprint Identification: Reliability and Accuracy” will be broadcast at 1 PM. Registration is open now.

You can follow this link and scroll down to the title of the training you want to register for!

[Abstract written by Alex Mitzel, ForensIQ Update Reporter]

Forensic Science Exhibit to Teach “Real-World Forensics”

Recently, a traveling forensic science exhibit debuted at the Sciencenter in New York. The “Crime Lab Detective Unit” exhibit was developed at The Museum of Discovery in Arkansas and was then transported to New York for the unveiling on September 13^th.   A spokesperson for the Sciencenter explains that the exhibit is designed to demonstrate what “real-world forensics” is like to the public in order to diminish that CSI effect.  Participants are given the option of a short or long version of the burglary investigation that they are being enlisted to help solve. Then, they are taken through a series of workshops that include interviews, fingerprinting, lab testing, and much more.  Ultimately, the “investigators” will offer their determination of the guilty party before finding out if they successfully solved the case.

For more information on this exhibit, please check out the article here

Citation:

Barrett, E. (September 18, 2013). Sciencenter sets up a forensic science exhibit. In Ithaca Times. Retrieved September 25, 2013, from http://www.ithaca.com/family_and_health/sciencenter-sets-up-a-forensic-science-exhibit/article_8aa35ff4-209b-11e3-a84d-001a4bcf887a.html.

[Abstract written by Alex Mitzel, ForensIQ Update Reporter]

Cellebrite to Offer Medical Examiner Training

Cellebrite will begin holding training classes in the hopes for people to become certified as Medical Examiners. “The new program delivers a higher quality, standardized mobile forensics training curriculum, culminating in a formal Cellebrite Certified Mobile Examiner (CCME) credential.”   You get to take your pick on how you want to learn since there are three different ways to take the class, classroom-based training, LIVE online training, and self-paced online training.

Click here to see the full article!

[Abstract written by Karl "Kip" Zenowich, ForensIQ Intern]

A Look at Psychopathy

A Look at Psychopathy

Today, it is a generally accepted claim that psychopaths have had some sort of horrifying experience in their past that has led them to become the way that they are. However, people rarely consider any evidence to support these assumptions. A recent study at a Mexican prison investigated these suppositions. With psychologists’ help, scientists were able to interview inmates, rank their level of psychopathy, and then explore traumatic events of their past. The study outlines all of the details including methods, measurements, statistics, and techniques. At the conclusion of the study, the findings showed a relationship between inmates possessing a higher level of psychopathy and significant childhood victimization and exposure to physical and sexual abuse. The results of the study go on to explain how these traumatic events would eventually shape the characteristics of psychopaths. This study not only supports the aforementioned assumptions, but also lays out the scientific support for them – a worthy read!

For a closer look at this study, pick up a copy of the Journal of Forensic Sciences

Source: Journal of Forensic Sciences

Citation:

Borja, K. & Ostrosky, F. (July 2013). Early Traumatic Events in Psychopaths. Journal of Forensic Science, 58, 927-931.

[Abstract written by Alex Mitzel, ForensIQ Update Reporter]

A Little Help on Dealing with Unusual Surfaces

Lifting prints or receiving evidence from a surface other than what we would expect to be normal is quite hard. Dick Warrington, in his article “tools of the Trade: Dealing with Unusual Surfaces,” goes into how to lift prints and other evidence from surfaces that do not fit the everyday category. The surfaces he covers are multi-textured/multi-contoured, adhesive surfaces, dust surfaces, and wet surfaces. When speaking about multi-textured surfaces, Warrington gives three examples of products and techniques that can be used to help find evidence. The three of those products are AccuTrans, polyethylene tape, and DIFF-Lift tape. Each of these help the user to lift fingerprints and other pieces of evidence from surfaces that are definitely harder to get evidence from.

Full Article Here!

Source: forensicmag.com

Citation:

Warrington, D. (2013, August 28). Tools of the Trade: Dealing with Unusual Surfaces. Forensic 

     Magazine. 

[Abstract written by Karl "Kip" Zenowich, ForensIQ Intern]